ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Qualitative Evaluation of Pharmaceutical
Industrial Effluents: Case of Study
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1
Department of Transportation Engineering, Laboratory of Transports and Environment Engineering,
Université Constantine1 Frères Mentouri, 25000 Constantine Algeria
2
National Higher School of Engineering and Technology – Annaba; Algeria
3
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania
Submission date: 2023-10-25
Final revision date: 2023-12-13
Acceptance date: 2024-02-05
Online publication date: 2024-07-01
Publication date: 2024-07-25
Corresponding author
Belhour Samira
Department of Transportation Engineering, Laboratory of Transports and Environment Engineering, Université Constantine1, frères Mentouri, Constantine, 25000, Constantine, Algeria
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2024;33(6):6333-6345
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ABSTRACT
In Algeria, there are multiple deficiencies in environmental protection. Today, in the context
of the constant evolution of healthcare systems and the growing importance given to environmental
preservation, the management of pharmaceutical effluents has become one of the major challenges for
the pharmaceutical industry. However, often the interests of companies, especially private ones, do
not align with environmental priorities, despite the existence of a range of procedures and legislative
mechanisms. This can lead to the creation of safe and sustainable action plans to prevent, reduce,
and/or eliminate pollution, harmful effects, and nuisances. Unfortunately, this regulation is widely
underestimated and neglected in their actual daily practices and actions. Furthermore, awareness
and preventive information on environmental concerns are very limited; regulatory mechanisms are
fragmented; safety culture and environmental education are disparate, and monitoring and tracking
means are limited. The objective of this work is to assess the environmental impact of the activities of
an Algerian pharmaceutical industry in order to reflect on environmental concerns and open national
discussions on the harmful effects produced by various companies and the strict application of current
regulations. This assessment is based on the evaluation of the value of physico-chemical analysis of
sewage discharges from a pharmaceutical industry during manufacturing, research and development
processes, as well as waste disposal. The analysis results indicate that the physico-chemical properties
of the discharged sewage were within the limits allowed by standards regarding heavy metals. However,
the analyses of DOB5, DCO, and the concentration of suspended solids (SS), oils and fats significantly
exceed the standardized values. This study aims to raise awareness among stakeholders to implement
procedures and legislative measures, potentially leading to the development of safe and sustainable
action plans, or even fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lasting prevention.